AA keeps charity bike ride on the road

London to Paris 24-hour ride in aid of the Duchenne Children's Trust

The AA is supporting this Friday's Duchenne Dash (6 June 2014), a 24-hour charity bike ride from London to Paris to raise funds and awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy – the most common genetic killer of children worldwide.

The muscle-wasting genetic condition leads to paralysis and death in all cases and affects around one boy in every 3,500 in the UK, and around 300,000 worldwide.

AA outriders support the ride

Ten AA motorbike outriders and a support Land Rover from the AA's flood rescue team will accompany celebrity riders Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Dermot Murnaghan and other newsreaders and executives to raise awareness and money in the event, organised by the Duchenne Children's Trust charity.

Departing from Channel 4 in central London, the intrepid riders will each burn more than 10,000 calories, racking up more than 200 miles in the saddle. After a brief respite on the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry crossing, the route will take them via Gournay-en-Bray to the finish at the Eiffel Tower.

Vital support needed for the Duchenne Dash

Chris Jansen, the AA's chief executive, says: "We are delighted to be supporting the Duchenne Dash. I've been lucky enough to see first-hand the fantastic work done by the charity. While the condition is not widely known, it's actually the most common genetic killer of children worldwide.

Raising funds for research and clinical trials is vital

Chris Jansen, AA CEO

"Raising funds for research and clinical trials is vital, as treatments and maybe even a cure are on the horizon. We want to help the charity in its mission to beat this disease in a decade, so encourage everyone to donate. Our AA patrols will be there to help the riders on their dash to Paris and we wish them all the best of luck."

Trust is grateful for support

Emily Crossley, director of the Duchenne Children's Trust, says: "We are delighted to have the support of the AA for this year's Duchenne Dash. The support we've received has been incredible. We've gone from 30 riders last year to more than 120 in 2014. We're humbled by the incredible generosity of all those who have donated, and a huge thank you goes to all our generous sponsors.

"We will not give up in our fight to fundraise for medical research and clinical trials that will beat this disease within a decade and End Duchenne in Ten."

Last year, the Duchenne Dash raised more than £200,000 for the charity and they aim to double that this year. You can donate online at or text DUCH88 £5 to 70070 to give £5 on your mobile phone bill.